Garlic

​Allium Sativum is a species in the onion genus, Alium. Close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive and rakkyo. Garlic has a history of human use of over 7,000 years. It's native to central Asia, but was known to the ancient Egyptians. 
* Single clove garlic (pearl garlic) originated in the Yunnan Province of China. 
*The use of garlic in China dates back to 2000 BC. And it was consumed by Ancient Greek and Roman soldiers, sailors, and rural class. According to Pliny the Elder is was also consumed by the African peasantry.
*Greeks placed garlic on piles of stones at crossroads as a supper for Hekate, and it was taken by Egyptians to invoke deities at the taking of oaths.
*Garlic was used during World War I and II as an antiseptic to prevent Gangrene.  
*In Iranian countries which celebrate Nowruy (Persian Calendar New Year) garlic is one of the items in a seven-seen table (traditional new year display). 
*In Islam it is frowned upon to eat raw garlic before going to mosque. 
*In Hinduism and Jainism garlic is thought to stimulate and warm the body. 
*In Buddhist traditions garlic (and the other fine pungent spices) is understood to stimulate sexual and aggressive dreams

Garlic is eaten on festival days of Hecate and are left at crossroads as a sacrifice in Her name. ​

arlic is ruled by the plant MARS, which also governs the sign Aries and co-rules Scorpio. Mars was the Roman God of War (courage, strength, and leadership). Mars is associated with will and ambition. "Mars" means bright and burning one, reflective in garlics spicy nature. 
Garlic's therapeutic action is attributed to its potent phytochemicals: allicin, alliin ajoene, and diallyl disulfide. These compounds contain sulfur. Sulfur  is ruled by the planet Saturn, which governs Capricorn, the sign in which Mars is exalted. 
Mars is considered the secondary ruler of the heart (with sun is primary). Garlic is an important component of a heart-healthy diet. It has beneficial effects on cholesterol and blood pressure. Blood pressure can be adversely affected by stress, which affects Mars and Aries energies. One of the ways the body responds to stress is through the production of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, which are also ruled by Mars. Mars-ruled Garlic may help to moderate some of the physiological effects of  Martian / Aries temperaments. ​

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